Russell

Picture Credit: Twitter

Veteran journalist Skip Bayless has been under scrutiny by the 2016-17 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook for his recent tweets during the 2022 NBA draft. As the Los Angeles Lakers selected Max Christie with their 2nd-round pick from Michigan State, Bayless had some comments about his fit in the new team. He tweeted about how Christie has been shooting 32% from the three-point line over the last three seasons. 

But while making these comments he referred to Russell Westbrook as ‘Westbrick’. The tweet said, “Lakers acquire a 2nd-round pick, take Michigan State's Max Christie, who shot only 32% from 3 last season. Perfect! He'll fit right in with LeBron and Westbrick.”Then almost 24 hours later, Westbrook jumped on Twitter and replied, “Yoooo… watch your mouth. Don’t say anything here you wouldn’t say to my face.”

You are very disrespectful and a bully: Nina Westbrook

Russell’s response comes months after his wife Nina Westbrook's replied to a tweet in which Skip referred to her husband as ‘Westbrick’. She wrote, “You’ve got to stop calling people out of their name. You are very disrespectful and a bully,” she continued. “This is why so many young people think it’s okay to exhibit this type of behaviour. Social media has become such heinous place because of people like you. My name is Westbrook.”

She added, “I’m tired you you @RealSkipBayless calling my husband out of his name. It is extremely childish. That is my name as well, and many other peoples name. You’re disrespectful, and I’m extremely offended by your behaviour. You should apologize.”

Where my name is getting shamed, it becomes an issue: Russell Westbrook 

Russell Westbrook in March had reacted to these criticisms and the comments made by his wife. He said, "I 100 per cent stand behind my wife and how she's feeling. When it comes to basketball, I don't mind the criticism of missing and making shots."

"But the moment it becomes where my name is getting shamed, it becomes an issue. 'Westbrick,' for example, to me, is now shaming. It's shaming my name, my legacy for my kids. It's a name that means, not just to me, but to my wife, to my mom, my dad, the ones that kind of paved the way for me."